Chill in Jakarta's "Little Bogor" for just 30k, but can you handle the flies and sour-faced waiters?
qponx
2026-01-24
Escape Jakarta's chaos at Rene Cafe, a hidden gem in a former governor's villa that feels like a trip to Bogor. Enjoy sprawling green lawns and a super chill atmosphere for an incredibly low price. But be warned: the serene setting comes with a catch. Prepare for inconsistent food, slow and sour-faced service, and a battle against flies and mosquitoes. It's a budget-friendly getaway if you can overlook the major service flaws and come prepared for the outdoors.
Honestly, if my friend hadn't dragged me to East Jakarta last weekend, I would've never known there was a place like this hidden in the city. The car drove into a huge estate, and all I could see was green. I thought the GPS had made a mistake and taken me to Bogor! The air instantly cooled down, and that Chill feeling of being far away from the city's hustle and bustle hit me right away. 🌿
A Cafe Hidden in a Former Governor's Residence
This place, called Rene Cafe, is located in"Villa Basofi," the former residence of Indonesia's ex-governor Basofi Sudirman[1]. It's huge, with a massive lawn where dogs and kids can run wild—it doesn't feel like Jakarta at all. We found a spot under a shady tree, watched people picnicking in the distance, and felt time slow down. It's perfect for an afternoon of Nongkrong with friends.
For drinks, I ordered their signature palm sugar coffee (Kopi Susu Gula Aren)[2]. How should I put it... the taste was a bit like opening a blind box. My cup felt a little weak, but my friend's was apparently pretty good, so the quality isn't very consistent. For the main course, I got the Ayam Penyet[3]. The chicken portion was really generous, but the texture was a bit dry. Luckily, the Sambal was truly Mantap! 🌶️ On the other hand, the Tahu Petis[4] (fried tofu with shrimp paste) was a pleasant surprise—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and very flavorful. The prices are really cheap. For our large group of nine, eating and drinking, the final bill was only around 450k IDR. For a place with this kind of atmosphere, the value for money is off the charts.
But! Please Read My Honest Thoughts First…
But no matter how great the ambiance is, it can't make up for a terrible experience, girls! The service is definitely this place's biggest pitfall[5], especially the cashier, who had a sour face the whole time, like I owed her millions. Anjay! She was completely unresponsive when I tried to order, and the experience score instantly dropped to -100.
Also, the number of flies and mosquitoes in the outdoor area was insane[6]. We had to keep waving our hands to shoo away flies while eating, completely killing the romantic vibe. For those of you who want to wear a cute slip dress for photos, I'd advise you to think twice!
📝【A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Those Who Want to Go】
If you're still tempted by that big lawn, then take this foolproof guide from me. It might save you some frustration:
- 1. Don't search for the cafe's name in your GPS: Search directly for"Villa Basofi" on the map, or you'll get lost on some unknown small roads[7].
- 2. Definitely don't go on an empty stomach: Their food service is incredibly slow[8], and many items on the menu will be sold out. I suggest eating a little beforehand and just treating it as an afternoon tea spot.
- 3. Bring your mosquito-fighting gear: You must wear long pants! Or, shamelessly ask the staff for mosquito repellent, otherwise your legs will become a buffet for the mosquitoes[9].
- 4. Be mentally prepared for weekends: It gets insanely crowded, and it's normal not to get a table. The staff might ask you to pay to rent a mat (Tikar) to sit on the ground[10], which costs around 27k.
- 5. Keep a chill mindset: Remember, you're there to enjoy the green space, not to experience the service. Lower your expectations for the service and food to the absolute minimum, and you'll be able to find some happiness. 🤷♀️
- Hidden in Villa Basofi's huge estate, lush greenery instantly offers a unique Chill escape from city bustle. [1]
- Don't miss the surprising Tahu Petis (fried tofu with shrimp paste): crispy, tender, and packed with Indonesian flavor. [2]
- Nine people, just 450k IDR for food and drinks! Unbeatable value in this lush, green estate.
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